Elinchrom Users Only (Mark IV)

got my new monitor Sheldon, are you still waiting for yours ?

Csae wrote in post #13580330
Thanks guys.

Considering how much of my stuff ends up in B&W, i really should consider Nik Silver, but does it do anything the normal B&W Adjustment layer in PS does not do already?

No, but it makes the adjustments easier.

krb wrote in post #13580340
No, but it makes the adjustments easier.

I would assume the quality of the adjustments is higher than in Lightroom as well? LR is fantastic for broad edits, but it really just doesn't have the fine grain detail that PS does for most adjustments.

I've found the B&W adjustments in Lightroom to be rather clunky.

Hi Aaron,

I've explored a lot of different ways to convert and manipulate black and white images and I have to say that one of the best applications for black and white is Nik Software Silver Efex Pro 2.

There is a free 15 day trial available for Photoshop or Lightroom.

I'll have to give it a try then, but it'd better carry drastic advantages over photoshop if its gonna earn my super-clamped dollars.

FJ LOVE wrote in post #13580334
got my new monitor Sheldon, are you still waiting for yours ?

Yes, rub it in why don't you.

I bet I have mine profiled before you do though.

Csae wrote in post #13580528
I'll have to give it a try then, but it'd better carry drastic advantages over photoshop if its gonna earn my super-clamped dollars.

Like he said, there's a free trial available. They also have training videos on the site so that you can get a better idea of what it can do than you're likely to get from just playing with it.

Finally got myself a deep octa 100cm, a boom stand (Manfrotto 420CSU) and a light meter (Sekonic L-358). Yay!

Now, that sandbag that comes with the stand... Uhh... Any idea how much sand I should buy to put in there? The maximum load extended is 5kg (what they mean by extended, I have no idea -- all the way extended with the middle of the boom arm on being locked in place or if it sticks more out to either side -- I hate (over)thinking).

My recommendation is to not use sand. Use rocks, gravel, shot, BB's, etc.

Sand is messy and if you get a tear or spill it's going to ruin your day and potentially some gear.

I'm not sure how sturdy the 420CSU is, but i would say for a counter-balancing sandbag, between 5 - 10lbs should be about right.

TMR Design wrote in post #13580685
My recommendation is to not use sand. Use rocks, gravel, shot, BB's, etc.

Sand is messy and if you get a tear or spill it's going to ruin your day and potentially some gear.

+1 A trip to a hardware supply store, you can find lots of decent bags of materials, i grabbed i think 40lbs of some fine gravel that is alot easier to clean up then sand for maybe 5$.

Riot NOR wrote in post #13580673
Now, that sandbag that comes with the stand... Uhh... Any idea how much sand I should buy to put in there?

I have a couple of small weight lifting plates, about a kilo each, in mine and that seems to work fine. Less chance of making a mess than using sand.

You are also going to want some weight to use as ballast on the bottom of the stand. Also, be aware that the stand is a compromise. It does more than a plain stand but it is not as strong as other boom stands. It is "strong enough" but you'll want to be careful about over extending it.

krb wrote in post #13580735
I have a couple of small weight lifting plates, about a kilo each, in mine and that seems to work fine. Less chance of making a mess than using sand.

You are also going to want some weight to use as ballast on the bottom of the stand. Also, be aware that the stand is a compromise. It does more than a plain stand but it is not as strong as other boom stands. It is "strong enough" but you'll want to be careful about over extending it.

I realize that it's not a full steel stand (two top are aluminum or something?), but I've used a full aluminum boom before and it was fine extended pretty decently away (the 420B I think the guy had).

Thanks for the help. I guess I'll ditch the sand and go find some rocks on the playground.

For those of you with the Deep Octa, do you use the deflector that comes with it? Do you use the inner diffusor or the outer (or both)?

PS: I read the manual for the L-358 and tried metering with the deep octa aimed straight at the subject. In my opinion, the light was a bit too overexposed. I only ever got 3 shots/readings off since I had to pack it away so that I can clean the house for christmas. I guess I will get better as soon as I get a chance to try it some more.

Riot NOR wrote in post #13580673
Finally got myself a deep octa 100cm, a boom stand (Manfrotto 420CSU) and a light meter (Sekonic L-358). Yay!

Now, that sandbag that comes with the stand... Uhh... Any idea how much sand I should buy to put in there? The maximum load extended is 5kg (what they mean by extended, I have no idea -- all the way extended with the middle of the boom arm on being locked in place or if it sticks more out to either side -- I hate (over)thinking).

Congrats!

If i use both the outer and inner diffusers then i do not bother with the deflector, if i am only using the inner deflector then i may or may not use a deflector.

Thanks, brah.

Now I need to hustle some money off of dead hookers to be able to afford the eggcrate grid. just kidding.

Sorta.


@Csae: Do you have a before and after picture showing the difference? My stuff is all packed away and have gone up into the attic. Christmas time is ruining my photospirits. :P I need a real studio. Screw homestudio in your livingroom.